Wild pigs can put money in your bank

HAYS COUNTY, Texas (KXAN) - Hays and Caldwell counties have put bounties on the feral hog populations in their areas. County officials voted to pay $2 a tail for any feral hog killed in either county.

The program begins on Oct. 1 and runs until the end of the year.

Nick Dornak, the Plum Creek Watershed coordinator and an advocate for the program, said that the hogs are present in the counties. “And when they’re present, they’re a problem.”

The Plum Creek Watershed , along with the San Marcos River Foundation and the Hays County master naturalist, have all expressed their desire to control the population.

The counties are concerned about property damage and environmental damage caused by the hogs.

No permits are needed to participate in the program, and the locations and times for collection of the evidence – the tails – have not yet been established.

Hays County will also offer a series of informational meetings about feral hogs.

Hays County commissioners have put forward $1,500 for the program, and Caldwell County will offer $1,000. If the program is successful Dornak plans to ask the counties for more money.

The Plum Creek Watershed group hopes that the cull will reduce E-coli levels in Plum Creek.

The educational seminars are on:

• Oct. 16, 5:30-8:30 p.m. -- Free workshop at Luling Foundation farm, 523 S. Mulberry St., Luling. To sign up, call the Caldwell County AgriLife Extension office, 512-398-3122.
• Oct. 25, 6 p.m. and 7 p.m. -- Free hour-long workshops at Cabela's, 15570 Interstate 35, Buda.
• Oct. 26, 3 p.m. and 4 p.m. -- Free hour-long workshops at Cabela's, 15570 Interstate 35, Buda.
• Oct. 30, 6-9 p.m. -- Workshop at Hays County AgriLife Extension Office, 1253 Civic Center Loop, San Marcos. Fee of $20 includes dinner.